The Blessing of BI Affiliates Worldwide

“Thank you for the Zarma Bible. It is the most important thing that has ever been made available to my people. It is changing lives!” These were the words of Dr. Andrew Ng, a former missionary doctor in Niger, to Paul Versluis, the founder of Bibles International (BI). We could share numerous testimonies of those who have been saved, discipled, or spiritually transformed by the translated Word of God globally since the founding of BI in 1981.

As BI began to grow and expand in 1991-1992, Director Fred Carlson saw a need for a partnership with nationals that provided the legal identity, banking, and logistics for the delivery, distribution, and engagement of Scripture. In his view, if BI were truly to be an international Bible Society, it must “develop shared ownerships, encourage their growth as believers, and instill a proper professionalism in a local Bible society.” Carlson further explained, “We wanted them (the nationals) to celebrate with us as God used them alongside us to provide their Scriptures in their tongues.” This was their translation work, but we would share in the technical ministry responsibilities and financial contributions.

This desire gave birth to the idea of affiliate offices in strategic locations. Each affiliate office would be led by a national director and staff and be accountable to an executive committee composed of national pastors and Christian leaders. The advantages of such affiliate offices would be numerous: a legal identity in the country, closer ties to national churches, interdependence with national partners, financial accountability, and a sense of stability. They would provide easier management of multiple projects and hospitality for consultants and translation teams, while also serving as a location for workshops, training, mentorships, and recruitment. The affiliate offices would even serve as resource centers and retail space for published materials.

By 2012, BI had launched three affiliate offices: in a creative access nation in Southern Asia, in Southeast Asia (Myanmar) and in Africa (Chad). God has used these three affiliates for His glory, and we are grateful for the fruit that has been produced.

There have been challenges, however, such as financial costs and self-sustainability. In addition, the countries in which these affiliate offices are located have experienced political turmoil, military coups, civil wars, travel bans, religious persecutions, economic upheavals, and national conflicts. These trials have kept our people on their knees in prayer, and God has answered in tremendous ways, enabling our affiliate personnel to proceed with tenacity, determination, and grace.

While these three successful affiliate offices possess their own buildings and property, political instability and national chaos often complicate the effectiveness of this traditional approach. The launch of our fourth affiliate office in Lima, Peru necessitated a different model that would have a smaller footprint in the country and be portable as needed. This affiliate would not own a building or property but would instead rent space, reduce expenditures, and be less visible. Yet the same vital work would be accomplished as in our other affiliates around the world.

This is a new venture, and we praise God for His enabling grace and wisdom. The main article in this issue, written by our projects coordinator in Latin America, describes the incredible opportunities God is opening in this part of the world. Rejoice with us! Pray for the initiation of our new affiliate office and the work God is doing in Peru!